What you can check
- Advert against public data.
- Documents and invoices.
- APK expiry.
- Physical condition during viewing.
Used car checklist for the Netherlands
A compact used-car checklist in the Netherlands combines a license plate check, document control, APK expiry, mileage evidence, maintenance invoices, test drive, road tax factors and clear seller questions.
Used-car checklist
Before, during and after the viewing
A practical sequence for documents, test drive and decision.
Beforeadvert and documents
At the cartest drive and checks
Decisionevidence and next step
Free A4 checklist
Download the used-car checklist
Use it: Before contacting a Dutch seller, viewing the car or checking documents. Version 1.0, updated 19 June 2026.
English car check guideWhere does the information come from?
Sources and claim boundaries
- Source
- Public RDW-related vehicle data where available; Official Dutch source context for legal registration actions
- Checked
- 2026-07-04 · KentekenKompas.nl
- Important
- No owner identity or private holder data
Technical source and limitation detailsOpen for datasets, method and further limitations
Sources used
- Public RDW-related vehicle data where available
- Official Dutch source context for legal registration actions
- KentekenKompas editorial explanation for buying questions and data limits
Not claimed
- No owner identity or private holder data
- No full accident, maintenance or mileage-history dossier
- No official RDW affiliation or legal registration action
Check scope
What you can and cannot check
A compact used-car checklist in the Netherlands combines a license plate check, document control, APK expiry, mileage evidence, maintenance invoices, test drive, road tax factors and clear seller questions.
What you cannot check
- A guaranteed safe purchase.
- Hidden defects without inspection.
- Complete mileage history.
- Private owner history.
Dutch terms
Terms used on this page
Only the Dutch terms needed for this specific task are shown here.
| Dutch term | English meaning | Why it matters | Where to check it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onderhoudshistorie | Maintenance history. | Invoices and service records help verify care, mileage and expensive repairs. | Seller documents before or during viewing. |
| Proefrit | Test drive. | Noise, steering, braking, gearbox behaviour and warning lights are not fully visible in public data. | During the viewing. |
| Kentekencard | Vehicle registration card. | It helps verify the car and transfer context before payment. | Seller documents. |
Use the checklist before and during the viewing
Prepare questions before you travel. During the viewing, compare documents, condition and seller answers with the report.
When to stop the purchase
Walk away if the seller avoids documents, mileage evidence, identity questions or inspection requests.
Documents and seller questions
Ask for the kentekencard, APK report, service invoices, mileage evidence, spare keys, import paperwork where relevant and written confirmation of known defects.
How to use the checklist
Take the checklist to the viewing and record what you actually see, hear and receive. A completed checklist organises evidence; it does not prove that the vehicle is safe, damage-free or correctly maintained.
Checklist
Practical checklist
Steps to take
- Check license plate.
- Ask for documents.
- Compare mileage.
- Inspect tyres and brakes.
- Test all electronics.
- Consider a purchase inspection.
Next steps
Related tools and English guidance
English hub
Return to the English guide for Dutch vehicle checks.
Open linkDutch license plate check
Start with the English guide for checking a Dutch plate.
Open linkCar report
Understand what the KentekenKompas vehicle report can and cannot show.
Open linkBuying guide
Follow the compact English buying flow for Dutch used cars.
Open linkCompare cars
Compare two Dutch used cars by practical signals.
Open linkDutch page: buying checklist
Dutch auto buying checklist page.
Open linkDutch page: test drive checklist
Dutch proefrit checklist page.
Open link
Frequently asked questions
What documents should I ask for?Open answer
Ask for registration documents, maintenance invoices, APK reports and mileage evidence.
Should I download a checklist?Open answer
Yes, if a relevant checklist is available. Use it as preparation, not as a guarantee.
What if the seller refuses inspection?Open answer
Treat that as a serious warning sign.
What should I check during the test drive?Open answer
Check cold start, braking, steering, gearbox, warning lights, electronics, tyres, air conditioning and whether the car tracks straight.